Synopsis:
Swamp Thing and Animal Man arrive at the realm of the Rot. The are confronted by the Un-men, human worshipers of the Rot, and after they are dispatched they discover a tear in the Rot leading down. Animal Man is concerned because it seems so easy. Swamp Thing concludes that they have no choice but to continue down.

Animal Man's family is aided by Abby when they are attacked by rotlings. Abby decides to seal the portal to the Rot to avoid becoming swarmed by rotlings, leaving a tether so the heroes have a connection to the outside world.

As the heroes descend, Animal Man realizes that he is incapable of using his powers. Swamp Thing suggests heading back but Animal Man insists on continuing.

Abby explains to Buddy's family that Anton Arcane, the most powerful servant of the Rot, has somehow returned from the dead to become it's avatar. Once an avatar dies, there should be no coming back.

As the heroes descend on a ladder of bone, they can sense the fear of the Rot, and they conclude that this is the best time to strike because it is weak. Then they realize they are being followed by Arcane who cuts the vine connecting Swamp Thing to the outside world.

Abby senses the Rot and herself becoming stronger. The parliament of decay is now powerful enough to invade the world. However, Abby is aware of the secret location of said parliament and swears to stop it once and for all.

Arcane expains his elaborate scheme to the heroes. How they were lured into his trap, how he was allowed to come back from the dead and that a year had passed on the outside world. The Rot won the moment the heroes stepped through the portal. And then the heroes fall and when they hit the ground they realize Arcane was telling the truth. They find themselves in the real world and it has been destroyed by the Rot.